Solicitor 'fuming' after no interpreter turns up at Grimsby court again

Grimsby Telegraph / News
/ 06 May 2014

Cases against two east European men had to be adjourned for a third time – because no interpreter had attended court to help them understand what was being said.

The men had been due to face driving offence matters, but their cases could not proceed before Grimsby magistrates because there was again no interpreter available. Solicitors for the men were left fuming and one of them later strongly criticised the situation that led to the cases being adjourned for a third time. He said it was unacceptable, especially because solicitors are under constant pressure to make progress on other cases at the first hearing.

Rules on the use by courts of interpreters are thought to mean that other possible providers of interpreters cannot be used if nobody is available from the usual approved pool.

The solicitor pointed out that adjournments are rarely granted these days because the expectation is now that progress must be made the first time a case is in court.

Solicitors continue to oppose changes to legal aid rules brought about by the Government's drive to reduce spending on such costs.

Cases at Grimsby Crown Court are expected to be disrupted shortly following the latest phase of action by lawyers.